Hi

Thanks for the query

Perforation (hole) of the ear drum is one of the commonest ENT problems encountered. It happens due to blockage of the Eustachian tube (the tube which connects nose and the ear), leading to reduced ventilation in the middle part of the ear causing secretions to get accumulated, followed by rupture or retraction of the ear drum.

There are various surgeries performed depending upon the size and location of the perforation. A small perforation heals spontaneously, whereas a medium or a large perforation has to be repaired.

Repairing of the ear drum is not an urgent operation, it can be performed any time. As she is pregnant now, it is better to plan for the surgery on a later date. The techniques of closing the perforation vary from doctor to doctor and the institution. Collagen glue is the one which helps in holding the graft over the perforation; it costs approximately seven to ten thousand INR per tube. Some doctors have been successful in doing so, but many prefer a traditional way of closing the perforation, that is by incising the ear from behind and laying the graft. Both methods give equally good results if performed meticulously.

Hope I have answered your query; I will be available for the follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

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